Discarded batteries spark monthly fires at waste facilities

WasteServ says batteries wrongly discarded in household waste are causing fires every month at Malta’s waste facilities. Its Be Smart. No Spark campaign, run with the Civil Protection Department, highlights batteries hidden in items such as vapes, power banks, toys, headphones and electric toothbrushes. Crushing or puncturing lithium-ion cells during collection and processing can trigger fast-spreading fires. WasteServ and Civil Protection said correct disposal can protect workers, responders and infrastructure. Residents can take batteries and small electronic items to civic amenity sites, roadshow trucks and local council offices.